The 31st annual Friends for Food campaign is getting started, and this year will look much the same as last year with some added conveniences.
Mary Jeanne Gavin, executive director of Community Services of Venango County, said preparations began in August and “it seems like we just ended last year.”
Though time may have flown by, the pandemic precautions remain in effect for this year’s distribution event, said Gavin. The goal is to meet last year’s numbers — 1,300 turkeys and 1,000 gift cards to local grocers passed on to area families.
Now, she said, with the event being held outdoors again this year outside the Rocky Grove fire hall, she’s looking for around 100. There were 98 volunteers last year, said Gavin.
It’s difficult to have to turn would-be volunteers away, Gavin said of the reduced number. But, she said, the goal is to continue to provide the event while still keeping everyone safe and observing guidance and precautions related to social distancing.
The distribution will be drive-up again this year, Gavin said, and families seemed to like that option last year.
The drive-up format saves people from standing in lines, but it also reduces the enjoyment, Gavin said.
“Everybody loves to see people,” and the socialization the event afforded is hard to replace, she said.
For added convenience this year, portable restrooms will be available for families while they stay dry and warm in their cars, and bags will be delivered to them.
For area seniors without transportation, bags will again be delivered to several locations where seniors live, Gavin said.
The event is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 20. Distribution will begin at 8 a.m., but Gavin said people are known to line up early.
Volunteers will need to show up by 7:30 a.m., and anyone interested in volunteering can call #211 to sign up. Families may pick up one turkey and one gift card per household.
“You aren’t able to pick up a turkey or gift card for others if you’re also picking up for yourself,” said Gavin.
Donations for the event can be made by printing or cutting out vouchers that will appear in the newspaper and mailing them in or online at www.thederrick.com.
The event, said Gavin, “has been running so well, but unfortunately, COVID has changed it somewhat.” She said her goal “is to get back to normal next year.”
